Rare Plants in Alberta – Green Milkweed and Sticky Purple Geranium
Thursday, February 22, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Presented by Tory Blanchard, Masters of Ecology Student – University of Calgary
Conservation needs a greater focus on how rare species interact within their neighbourhoods. Rare plants have been found to exist in areas that are positively associated. These are areas with plant communities that facilitate or help one another. One example of facilitation occurs through shared pollinators. Common plants may attract numerous pollinating species, such as bees and butterflies, to a community and the rare plants who rely on these pollinators for their reproduction will benefit indirectly from the common plants. Tory’s work will examine the distribution, assembly, and pollinator-mediated plant interactions of two rare species in southern Alberta: Green Comet Milkweed and Sticky Purple Geranium. The study will involve collaboration with members of the Kainai First Nation and will use data from community science platforms such as iNaturalist to address these occurrences. Free for Friends of Fish Creek members and $10 for non-members. Registration required. https://friendsoffishcreek.org/event/rareplants
Dedicate a Bench in Fish Creek – Leave a Lasting Legacy
As you pass through the different areas of Fish Creek Provincial Park you have most likely seen and perhaps sat upon one of our beautiful dedication benches. Dedication benches provide a comfortable place for park visitors to rest and appreciate nature and feature a bronze plaque with a unique and personal message. There are approximately 105 benches in the park, and each year several benches are made available to a new donor. This year we will have some beautiful benches available in the west and central regions of the park, so if you have been thinking about dedicating a bench, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. Benches are available for a ten-year term and all donors will receive a valuable tax receipt. Dedicating a bench here in Fish Creek Provincial Park is also the perfect way to leave a legacy for future generations of your family. The dedication bench program provides essential funding for the Friends of Fish Creek and helps ensure that we can continue and expand upon our stewardship and engagement activities in the park. We would like to thank Alberta Forestry and Parks and the Venturers Society of Calgary for supporting the Friends of Fish Creek in the delivery of this very special program. For more information or to dedicate a bench, please give us a call at 403-238-3841 ext. 1 or visit https://friendsoffishcreek.org/dedication-bench.
Membership Shows You Care
Now is the best time of year to renew your Friends of Fish Creek membership or to become a member. By renewing your Friends of Fish Creek membership, you will help ensure that Fish Creek Provincial Park remains a cherished and accessible resource for all, now and for generations to come. Your generous contribution will play a vital role in enabling us to continue with our stewardship and engagement initiatives aimed at preserving the natural splendour of Fish Creek Provincial Park. Friends of Fish Creek members receive benefits like admission to our Fish Creek Speaker Series programs, a discount on the popular Birding Courses, a discount at select local businesses, and the ability to vote at our Annual General Meeting. Show your support for this park by becoming a member or renewing your membership today. Memberships will be valid until December 31, 2024. To renew your commitment to Fish Creek please visit https://friendsoffishcreek.org/membership.
Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have free time and would like to volunteer in Fish Creek Provincial Park? The 2024 volunteer season is just around the corner, and we are looking for people to assist with various programs starting this spring. To begin volunteering please visit our website and create an account on our online volunteer system, MyImpactPage. We look forward to working with you to bring the Friends’ 2024 volunteer programs to life! For more information, please visit https://friendsoffishcreek.org/volunteering-basics.
